Mike Trout Injury Update: Angels All-Star ready for pivotal next step toward full recovery, per insider

The Los Angeles Angels star player Mike Trout is making way for his return and could play against the Oakland Athletics. For the past two and a half months, Trout has been off the field because of the torn meniscus in his left knee back in April.

He went into surgery in May and has been focusing on recovery. It was feared Trout wouldn't be joining the Angels for the entire season, however that situation seems to have been avoided.

However, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com has reported that Trout is traveling to Arizona for live pitching in the Florida Complex League. He'll also be participating in the rehab assignment with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on Monday.

"Mike Trout (knee) heads to Arizona today to face live pitching at the club’s Spring Training complex the next two days. He’s expected to start his rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday. Could return as soon as Thursday at home vs the A’s," Bollinger wrote.

If everything goes well, he could be back by Thursday and play against the Oakland Athletics. This would be a huge boost for the Angels, currently with a losing 41-56 record.

Trout's presence is expected to fill the Angel Stadium with energy, and spur the team towards a positive run of results. Everything relies on his performance during the rehab assignment on July 22.

Mike Trout is optimistic about his condition

Mike Trout in the dugout during the game against the Kansas City Royals. Credits: IMAGN

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is steadily progressing in his recovery from a knee injury. The three-time AL MVP recently transitioned from treadmill jogging to outdoor runs, which is a favorable development in his rehabilitation timeline. He also participated in soft toss drills on the field.

However, the key test for Trout's full return lies in replicating game-like movements. This includes sprinting, changing direction abruptly, and navigating the bases – activities that will put his injured knee to the test. However, he was quite positive about his recovery.

“I feel great, I feel fine and I’m progressing the way I should be,” Trout said. “It's good to get out there and start moving around instead of being in the weight room and the cage. It’s all about the progression of running. I feel good hitting. I took 30 swings out there with no pain at all.”